Chemistry XXI Unit 5 How do we predict chemical change? In order to make predictions about the likelihood of a chemical process, we need to explore four main features: THERMODYNAMICS Directionality Extent KINETICS Rate Mechanism The central goal of this unit is to help you identify and apply the different factors that help predict the likelihood of chemical reactions.

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Chemistry XXI Context To illustrate the power of chemical ideas and models in predicting whether a chemical change will occur or not, we will focus our attention in some of the processes that seem to lie behind the origin of life. Why would the analysis of directionality, extent, rate, and mechanism of chemical reactions be important to understand the EMERGENCE OF LIFE in our planet? Why do we care?

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Chemistry XXI The Challenge Imagine that you have information about the chemical composition of the early Earth. How could you decide what reactions were likely to occur among these “primordial” components? What structural features of the reactants and products could help you make the prediction? How could you qualitatively predict the directionality of a chemical reaction? Transformation How do I change it?

Chemistry XXI Relative Stability The extent of the reaction is determined by the relative stability of the reactants and products. Properly evaluating the relative stability of two or more substances is a crucial skill in making predictions about reaction directionality . P o t e n t i a l E n e r g y E a

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